Baby Constipation: Gentle Ways to Help Your Little One Feel Better
Updated: Oct 30
Is your baby struggling to poo? Here's how to recognise constipation, ease their discomfort and know when to seek help.
As parents, we know how upsetting it can be to see our little ones uncomfortable, especially when they can't tell us what's wrong.
Constipation is a common concern during baby's first year, particularly when transitioning to formula or starting solid foods.
The good news? There are some gentle ways to help your baby feel more comfortable.
Let's explore what causes constipation, what you can try at home and when it's time to speak to a healthcare professional.
Is My Baby Actually Constipated?
First, it's important to understand that babies have very different pooing patterns.
Some babies poo several times a day, while others, especially exclusively breastfed babies, may go several days without a bowel movement.
Constipation isn't just about how often your baby poos. It's more about the consistency of their stools and whether they're uncomfortable.
Common signs of constipation include:
💩 Hard, dry or pellet-like stools
😣 Crying or appearing uncomfortable when passing poo
🤍 A firm or bloated tummy
🍼 Reduced appetite or feeding discomfort
💚 Passing stools less often than usual, particularly when they're hard
Remember: Grunting, turning red or straining doesn't always mean constipation. Young babies are still learning how to coordinate the muscles needed to poo. If their stools are soft, they may not be constipated.
1. Keep Up Regular Milk Feeds
For babies under six months, breast milk or correctly prepared infant formula provides the hydration they generally need.
If your baby is breastfed, continue offering feeds as usual.
If your baby is formula-fed, always follow the manufacturer's preparation instructions carefully.
Important: Never dilute formula with extra water to treat constipation. This can be dangerous for babies.
If your baby is under six months and seems constipated, speak to your GP or child and family health nurse before offering additional water, juice or other remedies.
2. Try Gentle Bicycle Legs
A little movement may help your baby's tummy feel more comfortable.
Try this simple exercise:
Lay your baby comfortably on their back.
Gently hold their lower legs.
Slowly move their legs in a cycling motion.
Continue for a short time while your baby is relaxed.
You can also gently bring their knees towards their tummy and release.
Never force the movement, and stop if your baby seems uncomfortable.
3. Give Baby a Gentle Tummy Massage
A soft tummy massage can be a lovely way to comfort your baby.
Try gently moving your fingertips in a clockwise circular motion around their tummy.
Keep the pressure light and choose a time when your baby is calm, rather than immediately after a feed.
If your baby appears distressed, has a swollen tummy or seems to be in pain, stop and seek medical advice.
4. Try a Warm Bath
A comfortably warm bath can help your baby relax.
While a bath isn't a proven treatment for constipation, it may soothe a tense or unsettled baby. Afterwards, you could try some gentle bicycle legs or cuddles.
Always supervise your baby closely during bath time.
5. Offer Constipation-Friendly Foods (For Babies Starting Solids)
Once your baby is around six months old and developmentally ready for solids, certain foods may help keep their stools soft.
Some gentle options include:
🍐 Pear: Soft, mashed or pureed pear.
🍑 Prunes: A small amount of smooth prune puree.
🍑 Peaches: Ripe, softened and mashed.
🥣 Oats: Smooth, well-cooked porridge prepared in an age-appropriate texture.
🥦 Vegetables: Soft, well-cooked vegetables alongside a varied diet.
Introduce foods in safe textures suited to your baby's developmental stage.
Avoid forcing food if your baby isn't interested.
What about water?
From around six months, babies starting solids can be offered small sips of cooled boiled water from a cup with meals.
Breast milk or formula should still be their main drink throughout the first year.
For babies under six months, ask a healthcare professional before offering additional water.
6. Encourage Gentle Movement
If your baby is old enough, supervised floor play can encourage natural movement.
Try:
Tummy time while awake and supervised
Reaching for favourite toys
Gentle kicking and stretching
Crawling or moving around if developmentally ready
Movement can support normal digestion, although it won't always resolve constipation on its own.
What NOT to Do When Baby Is Constipated
It's tempting to try anything when your baby is uncomfortable, but some home remedies can be unsafe.
Avoid:
Giving laxatives, suppositories or enemas unless recommended by a healthcare professional
Diluting infant formula
Giving herbal teas or home remedies without medical advice
Using soap, cotton buds or other objects to stimulate your baby's bottom
Giving juice to babies under 12 months as a home treatment without professional advice
Always check with your GP or child and family health nurse before giving constipation medication or treatments to your baby.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Most mild constipation can be managed with appropriate feeding, dietary changes and guidance from a healthcare professional.
However, some symptoms need medical attention.
Contact your GP promptly if:
Your baby is under six months and you suspect constipation
Your baby repeatedly passes hard, painful stools
There is blood in their poo
They are feeding less than usual
Constipation continues despite gentle measures
Your baby seems persistently uncomfortable
Seek urgent medical attention if your baby has:
A very swollen or painful tummy
Green vomit or repeated vomiting
Severe pain or unusual lethargy
Signs of dehydration, such as significantly fewer wet nappies
If your newborn hasn't passed their first poo (meconium) within the first 48 hours, they also need prompt medical assessment.
Trust your instincts. If something doesn't seem right, it's always appropriate to ask for help.
💚 Trusted Australian Parenting Resources
For additional information about baby constipation, feeding and digestive health, these Australian parenting resources may be helpful:
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby — Australian Government-supported information about pregnancy, babies and children's health.
Raising Children Network — Evidence-based parenting information covering baby health, development, feeding and everyday care.
If you're concerned about your baby's bowel movements or discomfort, speak with your GP or child and family health nurse.
🌸 A Little Reassurance for Parents
Every baby is different.
Some babies poo multiple times a day, while others go much longer between bowel movements.
The most important things to watch are your baby's comfort, feeding, hydration and the consistency of their stools.
If your little one is passing soft stools, feeding well and seems happy, their pooing pattern may be completely normal.
And if they're struggling, you're not expected to figure everything out alone. Your GP or child and family health nurse can help you work out what's normal for your baby.
Small, gentle steps can sometimes make a big difference.
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Explore our collection of baby essentials, feeding accessories, nursery favourites and practical parenting guides to support you through every stage.
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Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP or child and family health nurse about concerns regarding your baby's health, feeding or bowel movements.
